diff --git a/src/graphics/renderers/GameRenderer.cpp b/src/graphics/renderers/GameRenderer.cpp
index 85db0ba..88222eb 100644
--- a/src/graphics/renderers/GameRenderer.cpp
+++ b/src/graphics/renderers/GameRenderer.cpp
@@ -439,8 +439,8 @@ void GameRenderer::renderNextPanel(
             SDL_RenderLine(renderer, right, top, right, bottom);   // right edge
         };
 
-        //drawOutlineNoBottom(thinOutline, gridBorderColor);
-        //drawOutlineNoBottom(bayRect, bayOutline);
+        drawOutlineNoBottom(thinOutline, gridBorderColor);
+        drawOutlineNoBottom(bayRect, bayOutline);
 
         const float labelPad = tileSize * 0.25f;
         pixelFont->draw(renderer, panelX + labelPad, panelY + labelPad * 0.5f, "NEXT", 0.9f, labelColor);
@@ -837,10 +837,14 @@ void GameRenderer::renderPlayingState(
     renderNextPanel(renderer, pixelFont, blocksTex, nextPanelTex, game->next(), NEXT_PANEL_X, NEXT_PANEL_Y, NEXT_PANEL_WIDTH, NEXT_PANEL_HEIGHT, finalBlockSize);
 
     // Draw a small filled connector to visually merge NEXT panel and grid border
-    SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, 60, 80, 160, 255); // same as grid border
-    float connectorY = NEXT_PANEL_Y + NEXT_PANEL_HEIGHT; // bottom of next panel (near grid top)
-    SDL_FRect connRect{ NEXT_PANEL_X, connectorY - 1.0f, NEXT_PANEL_WIDTH, 2.0f };
-    SDL_RenderFillRect(renderer, &connRect);
+    // If an external NEXT panel texture is used, skip the connector to avoid
+    // drawing a visible seam under the image/artwork.
+    if (!nextPanelTex) {
+        SDL_SetRenderDrawColor(renderer, 60, 80, 160, 255); // same as grid border
+        float connectorY = NEXT_PANEL_Y + NEXT_PANEL_HEIGHT; // bottom of next panel (near grid top)
+        SDL_FRect connRect{ NEXT_PANEL_X, connectorY - 1.0f, NEXT_PANEL_WIDTH, 2.0f };
+        SDL_RenderFillRect(renderer, &connRect);
+    }
 
     // Draw transport effect if active (renders the moving piece and trail)
     updateAndDrawTransport(renderer, blocksTex);